It doesn't compare to Oahu's extensive bus system, but it's something: The Big Island's public transportation system, called Hele-On, consists of a main route between Hilo and Kailua-Kona that operates once a day in each direction, plus several feeder routes to Volcano, Pahoa and Waikoloa that run two or three times a day. Fares range from $2.25 to $5.35 one way, depending on the route.

A one-way journey from Hilo to Kona will take about 3 hours. Daily, Hele-On leaves Kona at 6:45 a.m., arriving in Hilo at 9:45 a.m. It then leaves Hilo at 1:30 p.m. and arrives back in Kona at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (808) 961-8744.